Piranhas, Changing enviroments

sublime1184

sublime1184

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Nov 15, 2004
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For several days I have been contemplating taking a large log out of my 29 gallon. The 29g houses 2 Red Bellied Piranhas. Anyone who has kept RBP's knows that they are very easily startled and hate, hate, hate lights. Also that they come out only to eat than the can stay in the same spot for hours upon hours on end. For 90-95% of the day, the Big One hangs out in the cave and the other one hangs right outside of it. When I turn the room light on I see them slowly go in to the cave if they are outside it. I would be taking the cave out and putting in a bunch of large plants and some floating plants for shade from the florescents. Keep in mind, I would not be taking it out just to see them more. The reason would be to get them moving and for me to gravel vac hard-to-reach places that I think gasses would be building up. The cave is rather large and takes up nearly half the space of the 29g. Any suggestions on what I should do? Also, I am trying to keep their stress levels low and their enviroment as comfortable as possible.
The pic is not the greatest quality. Thanks to all.
log.jpeg
 
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They like subdued lighting, so I'd get some floating plants or more things to hide in. Believe it or not, my fish hang out in the open more often because they know there's always tons of hiding spots to get away to nearby.

My neighbor has 6 red belly piranhas and they took awhile to get used to eating with the lights on and coming out in the open with people watching. They are pretty timid fish, but when they know their territory they are vicious towards intruders. How long have you had yours?
 
I have had mine since October '04. They were each the size of a quarter and now they are 5" approx.. As for lighting, I have aluminum foil with small holes punched in covering the light. I know about the plants but I know they will freak when I take the cave out. Should I just take it out and replace with plants like I planned?
 
go for it just dont disturb them too much for a bit and they will get used to it, or clump some plants so they can still hide in them.
 
Thx for the advice, I'll do it tomorrow after they stuff themselves with feeders
 
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I know this thread is old but It is time for the update...I took the cave out and Put a couple fake Amazon Swords in (1 Jumbo + 1 XL). My digital camera will arrive tomorrow and I will put some pics up.
 
was that log fake? b/c amazon R. fish usually like the lowered ph that wood does to a tank
can't wait to see the pics!
 
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